GRAVENHURST — When the summer tourist rush descends on Gravenhurst and the wharf this year, one of the usual suspects may not be there to greet them.
As of the end of February the Regatta Steak and Seafood Grille on the wharf has been closed and may have ended its run there. The eatery, which operated the annual Muskoka Wharf Curling Bonspiel and was part of the winter carnival this year as host to rowing contests, is still stocked, but locked tight.
A statement posted on the front doors by the landlords Golden Muskoka Developments Inc. states the tenant is in severe rental arrears of more than $273,000 and that the doors have been locked. The notice also states the furnishings and stock were to have been removed within five days of the posting, which as of March 26 had not happened. It left some hope within the business community the two-storey bar and restaurant would be opened for the busy season.
Dap Thatch, president of the Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce said he was surprised and saddened to hear the restaurant had closed, but added he didn’t think it would take long for either Regatta or a new business to emerge.
Landlord Wayne Liao said he could not divulge any nature of negotiations with the tenant, but did say the prime wharf location will be operational soon and certainly in time for the busy summer tourist season.
“There will be something there,” he said. “Very soon we should have something in place.”
Restaurant operator Kevin Brown could not be reached for comment.